ArchivesShaking Up Shakespeare at Summer CampShaking Up Shakespeare at Summer CampShakespeare came alive at the La Rita Theater on June 7 with a performance of “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” The show, performed by 23 young actors, was the culmination of Community Connect Theater Camp, sponsored by Frank Phillips College. Tammy Schniederjan directed the play. Two Gentlemen of Verona has been called Shakespeare’s first romantic comedy, and – in a nutshell – tells the story of two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, played by Carter Hancock and Blaine Cover, who travel to Milan and both fall in love with Silvia, portrayed by Madison Sanderson. Sylvia loves Valentine, but Proteus is determined to pursue her, even though he has a girlfriend, Julia, played by Rory Hancock, at home. Proteus and Valentine fight, then make up. Proteus and Julia also reconcile, and both couples marry. That’s the original play, but these talented thespians gave the ending their own spin, with Julia choosing to remain single rather than marry someone as fickle as Proteus and everything else ending happily ever after. The lively cast included Lily Grace Stephens as Julia’s friend Lucetta, Ximena Figueroa as Proteus’ mother Antonia, Renata Huaracha as Antonia’s personal assistant Pathina and Kye Green as Sylvia’s father, Duke. Korbin Lenz played Thurio, who really likes Sylvia. Walker Moore and Houston De Villiers portrayed Speed and Launce, Valentine’s and Proteus’ lackeys, while John Howard had the fun role of Crab, Launce’s dog. Caroline Campbell kept the show going as the Card Girl. Rounding out the ensemble were the Outlaws, musical outcasts from society who live in the woods and wreaked havoc. They were Charlotte Campbell, Valentina Lazcano, Emma Moore, Karsyn Beecher, Poppy Stallwitz, Maizy Burns, Lilly Stephenson, Adylyn Watson, Gianna Faria and Payton Nicholson. Schniederjan congratulated her young cast on their hard work and dedication. She pointed out that some of the actors had as many as 58 lines, with only four days to learn them, which was a remarkable feat. Schniederjan was assisted by Rebecca Siebert, Grace Scott, Celle Hancock and Skye Hartman. Craig Tharp ran lights and sound. For the full story SUBSCRIBE to the online edition of The Dalhart Texan, call (806) 244-4511 to setup a subscription to our physical paper or pick a copy up at one of our many convenient news rack locations. You can also stop by and purchase a paper or subscription in person at our news office located at 410 Denrock Ave. |
